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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Megalomania” features a blend of major and minor chords, as well as the use of the dominant 7th chord (B7) to create tension and resolution. This progression provides a harmonic foundation for the powerful and emotional vocals, giving it an intense and memorable feel.

** The chord progression in Verse 3 of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords in the key of A major, featuring the use of suspended chords, 9th chords, and 6th chords. The progression has a tonally ambiguous and ethereal quality, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.

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“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a subtly complicated piece of music. At first glance, the chord progression may seem simple, but it actually incorporates a number of rich musical techniques that give the song its iconic depth and emotional resonance. The song follows a simple yet powerful chord progression and relies heavily on the interplay between the root C major chord, the G6, and the Am minor. There is a recurring theme of returning to the G6, which creates tension and suggests feelings of melancholy or introspection.

**

“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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Muse – Cant Take My Eyes Off You – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C (I) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – Fm (iv) – C (I) – Dm (ii) – Dm7b5 (iiø7) – C (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead – follows a similar pattern with a borrowed chord and half-diminished chord:
“`
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv) – G (I) – B (III) – Cmaj7 (IVΔ7) – D7 (V7)
“`
2. “My Chérie Amour” by Stevie Wonder – another example of seventh chords and a borrowed chord:
“`
F (I) – F+M7 (IΔ7+) – Bbmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Gm7 (ii7) – Fmaj7 (IΔ7) – Dm7b5 (viø7) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7) – F (I)
“`
3. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel – incorporates major and minor seventh chords with a parallel minor chord:
“`
Cmaj7 (IM7) – Dm7 (ii7) – Dm/C (ii/C) – Gm7/C (vii7/III) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – Fmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Fm6 (iv6) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7)
“`

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic chord, C major, which quickly evolves into a dominant seventh by the use of major seventh (Cmaj7) and dominant seventh (C7) chords. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension that is resolved when the progression moves to the subdominant chord, F major.

The resolution is short-lived, however, as the regular F major chord turns into F minor (a borrowed chord from the parallel minor), introducing a dark and unexpected turn to the progression. The Fm serves as a pivot chord, modulating back into the original key. The tonic chord returns (C major), followed by the ii chord (Dm) and a half-diminished seventh version of ii (Dm7b5). This half-diminished chord adds an extra layer of tension before resolving once more to the tonic, C major, ending the verse with stability.

Overall Analysis

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

Muse’s adaptation of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” blends pop, rock, and jazz influences in both melody and harmony. The presence of extended harmonies such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and half-diminished chords all contribute to a sense of sophistication that is characteristic of jazz music. Simultaneously, the prominent rhythm guitar and melodic hooks give the song a pop-rock edge, making for a versatile and appealing style overall.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Muse are:

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C